SAIC IM LS9: Six-Seater EREV SUV Promising 1,500 km Range

IM Motors has announced that pre-sales for its upcoming IM LS9, a six-seater range-extender electric SUV in China, ahead of a full launch expected later this year.

The LS9 introduces IM’s latest Lizard Digital Chassis 3.0 and comes equipped with 520-line lidar across the range, paired with the brand’s “Stellar” EREV powertrain system. In pure EV mode, it offers a 402 KM CLTC range.

Design-wise, the LS9 adopts a bold, squared-off profile. Its front fascia is defined by L-shaped headlights linked by a continuous light strip, with a lower grille integrated into the closed front end. Other styling highlights include hidden door handles, “armour-style” alloy designs, and wheel options ranging from 20 to 22-inch sizes. 

Brembo calipers will also be available as an option.

Underneath, the SUV rides on the advanced Lizard Digital Chassis 3.0 platform, which allows up to 24° two-way four-wheel steering. It also gets a dual-chamber air suspension system with a 150 mm adjustable range and a closed-stroke setup for added ride comfort and handling stability.

Measuring 5,279 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 1,806 mm tall, with a 3,160 mm wheelbase, the LS9 is positioned as a full-size luxury SUV. It tips the scales at 2,695 kg.

Power comes from IM’s “Stellar” range-extender setup featuring a Zephyr 1.5T engine that serves purely as a generator. This 15FNE unit produces up to 114 kW and uses a VTG variable turbocharger. The system is backed by dual electric motors, 160 kW up front and 230 kW at the rear, drawing energy from a 65.9 kWh 800V Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery supplied by CATL.

Together, the powertrain delivers a combined range of up to 1,500 km, a top speed of 220 km/h, and an average fuel consumption of just 2.81L/100km. Fast charging adds 310 KM of range in just 15 minutes.

Inside, details are still under wraps, though IM Motors has confirmed a Bang & Olufsen sound system and 4D mechanical massage seats, hinting at a strong luxury focus.

Founded in 2020, IM Motors is a joint venture between SAIC, Alibaba, and Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, and has quickly become one of China’s most ambitious EV startups. The LS9 marks the brand’s latest step toward blending digital chassis innovation with extended-range efficiency, all wrapped in a sleek, tech-laden package built for six.

With SAIC already represented in Malaysia through MG, the IM brand could mark the group’s next step in expanding its premium EV portfolio locally. Notably, SAIC’s IM (Intelligent Mobility) division already produces right-hand drive models such as the IM5, IM6, and LS6 for markets including Australia, Thailand, and the UK, some of which are rebadged and sold under the MG name.

Source: CarNewsChina